Dodge Challenger, Charger, Chrysler 300 will not get a new platform until 2020

Fiat Chrysler is reported to continue with its line-up of large cars well until 2020. Both the Dodge Challenger and the Dodge Charger are not expected to have any redesigns through the Giorgio platform all the way to the 2021 model year. This is true as well for the Chrysler 300 sedans. This information was revealed by Automotive News citing two sources.

The Giorgio platform mentioned forms the basis of the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the same vehicle that is expected to begin sales by the end of this year in North America. With regards to this platform, it is likely that for the North American market, the platform would be made wider and longer for it to be used for the Challenger and the Charger. In addition, the Giorgio platform has the needed rigidity to help the brand make a comeback on the convertible market. Should this happen, it would be the brand’s return to this segment after it stopped production of the Chrysler 200 Convertible back in 2014.

According to FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne, the platform’s versatility was no accident as it was created at the same time as the launching of the Giulia. He adds that the architecture has more than proven its worth and the best benefit that it gives in terms of technical development is that it can be used on a wide array of applications.

It was back during the 2015 FCA dealer's show held in Las Vegas that the brand revealed a possible future version of the Dodge convertible known as the Barracuda. FCA revealed that until the time that it will completely shift to the Giorgio platform, the Challenger, Charger, and 300 models will all be redesigned under the 2018 model year. It was back during the 2015 model year that the brand last upgraded the three all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive models. S

till, FCA has managed to get additional sales out of these two models by offering exclusive trim levels. A good example is that for 2017, Dodge will be changing the T/A title back to the Challenger, a first in over 46 years. In addition, three new subtrims will be offered, all of which will have new parts as well as upgrades on the R/T trim line-up. It goes without saying though that once the manufacture of the Dodge that utilizes the Giorgio platform starts, FCA would likely stop the production of the Chrysler 300 sedan.

Under Daimler AG, Chrysler had been utilizing the badge-engineered twinned vehicles. But after filing for bankruptcy in 2009, FCA took over leadership of Chrysler and eliminated that practice. The most recent example would have to be the Jeep Compass which is slated to replace not only the Jeep Patriot but the current version of the Compass as well. Sales of the Jeep Compass in North America are scheduled to start in early 2017.